Cruise and Tour FREE - Part Three

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Find a Travel Agent

Once you have decided where you want to go, see a travel agent and find out all the details including cost. Groups usually get a cheaper rate, and you can use this as a tool to get people to go with you 

Check out if there are seasonal discounts. 

For example, a trip to Europe can be much less expensive in Jan through Mar. Of course Alaska is going to be less in the colder season, which is the time Caribbean cruises are more costly-November through April is what's called 'peak season' in the cruise industry. 

Find out how many people make up a group. For cruises seven days or less, it is usually 15 people and the 16th, (that's you), goes FREE. With some of the deluxe cruise lines with longer sailngs, the group is just 9 passengers and the 10th (you) go FREE. On one of my Hawaii cruises I gave away 6 free ones. 

On most motor-coach tours, it is usually 32 to 40 for your own private bus, but don't let that scare you. Once you get started, you'll find out how easy it is to get a group together. Ask your agent how many are needed for you to get a FREE trip. 

Find out if it includes transportation to the destination.

lNot all tour companies and cruise ines include free air. My FREE cruise on the Mediterranean included round-trip air from New York to Genoa, Italy. My FREE cruise in Hawaii did not. 

Know exactly what is included. The people signing up for your tour/cruise don't want any hidden costs. 

Are side tours included? For example, my trip to Scandinavia included daily tours, while my trip to Australia and New Zealand had only one tour in each country. Additional tours were optional. This worked out okay, since several of the people in my group wanted to see sights that not all the people wanted to see. 

My choice is to have some tours included, and have a day or two free for optional tours in

various locations.  My tour to Tuscany in Italy had wonderful sightseeing tours included, as well as two free days to do your own thing. 

It's important to be knowledgeable about the tour. Drive your travel agent nuts with your questions. Find out if the agency will supply you with flyers and brochures with your name and telephone number as the contact person. If you aren't satisfied with one agency, go to another until you find one you feel will support you. Not all travel agencies are good at group tours. Some specialize in corporate travel, some in cruises, and some leisure. Make sure the agency you work with has experience working with groups. 

Get references of people who have gone on group tours through them and check 'em out.

Next Blog will be about developing your group. 

M. Bradley McCauley is a retired group tour travel agent and tour escort who has traveled beyond life's dreams.

All photos are from Vintage Posters  


All Images are from Vintage Posters


If you missed part one and two....here are the links

Cruise and Tour FREE Part One

Part Two Know Where You Want to Go.